🏀 Denver Nuggets 126, Houston Rockets 111 – Nuggets Close Strong to Clinch No. 4 Seed
The Denver Nuggets saved one of their most complete performances of the season for the final day of the regular season, dispatching the Houston Rockets 126-111 on Sunday to clinch the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Behind efficient scoring from Michael Porter Jr. (19 points), Nikola Jokic (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists), and Aaron Gordon (18 points), Denver completed a three-game winning streak to finish 50-32 — setting up a mouthwatering playoff series against the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers.
For Houston, the loss marked a third consecutive defeat to close the season, though their position as the No. 2 seed in the West remains intact. They now await the winner of the Warriors-Grizzlies play-in matchup.
A Statement Win — And a Historic Season
While the playoff implications were clear, this game also served as a final stage for Nikola Jokic, who made history by becoming just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. His year-end averages — 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists — rank him in the top three across all categories.
Jokic wasn’t alone in making a statement. Porter Jr. had one of his most complete performances in recent weeks, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and knocking down three triples. Aaron Gordon dominated in the paint and in transition, while Jamal Murray added a solid 16 points, and Christian Braun delivered key minutes off the bench with 11 points.
Denver wasted no time asserting themselves. A 12-2 run to close the first quarter gave them a 36-23 lead, and they never looked back. Every time Houston threatened, Denver responded — usually with a three-pointer, a fast-break dunk, or a crafty dime from Jokic.
Rockets Cool Off to End the Season
For the Rockets, the loss was perhaps forgivable given their locked-in seeding and strategic rotation. Coach Ime Udoka opted for limited minutes across the board, using the opportunity to give reps to bench players ahead of a deeper playoff run.
Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson led the team with 15 points each, while Alperen Sengun (14), Jock Landale (11), and Cam Whitmore (10) also reached double figures. But Houston lacked rhythm and struggled to contain Denver’s dynamic offensive pace.
After briefly trimming the deficit to eight points in the second quarter, the Rockets were blown away by a barrage of threes and fast breaks. Denver led 65-52 at the half, then outscored Houston 37-19 in the third quarter, capped by a buzzer-beating corner three from Peyton Watson to take a commanding 102-71 lead into the final frame.
At one point in the fourth, the Nuggets led by 36 points — a remarkable feat considering the game was being played on the road against one of the league’s top home teams.
Betting Breakdown: What Hit From Our Preview?
From a wagering perspective, our America Bet match preview identified key value areas — and several of them delivered.
✅ Denver Nuggets to Win — ✔ Nailed it
✅ Nuggets -4.5 Handicap — ✔ Covered with ease
✅ Total Points Over 225.5 — ✔ Hit (Final: 237 total points)
✅ Jokic Over 7.5 Assists — ✘ Just missed (finished with 7)
✅ Porter Jr. Over 15.5 Points — ✔ Finished with 19
✅ Gordon Anytime Dunk + Win — ✔ Landed with style
✅ Houston Under 112.5 Points — ✔ Finished on 111
❌ Fred VanVleet Over 17.5 Points — ✘ Finished with 15
✅ Murray to Score 15+ — ✔ Solid 16-point effort
For bettors, it was a strong slate overall — particularly for those who trusted in Denver’s urgency and Houston’s caution heading into the postseason.
You can revisit all our original predictions and game previews on America Bet.
Looking Ahead: Denver vs LA, Houston Waits
With this win, Denver locks into a 4 vs. 5 showdown against the LA Clippers, a team they split the season series with. This sets up a clash of contrasts: the methodical brilliance of Jokic versus the physical, perimeter-heavy defence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
For Houston, Sunday’s loss won’t change their playoff path — but it does underscore potential areas of concern. The Rockets now have a few days to reset and scout their first-round opponent, which will emerge from Tuesday’s play-in game between Golden State and Memphis.
Final Word
On the final day of the NBA regular season, the Denver Nuggets didn’t just secure home-court — they sent a message. They are ready.
Behind an MVP-level season from Nikola Jokic and a resurgent effort from their full rotation, the Nuggets look every bit like the title contenders they were projected to be. Whether this momentum carries into the postseason remains to be seen, but for now, they head into the playoffs with belief, form, and a favourable start.
The Rockets may have the higher seed, but Denver’s finish suggests they may be the more dangerous team when the playoffs begin.
